Car Talk: The case of the bad-luck truck

By Ray Magliozzi

Sunday

May 10, 2020 at 2:23 AM

DEAR CAR TALK: My 1984 Toyota pickup truck has been sitting for a year and a half. Here's the story:

The battery was running down overnight. My auto parts store said it was probably the alternator. The neighbor replaced the alternator and voltage regulator for me, but that didn't fix it, and he did some damage in the process.

During all of this, the license plates expired, and I canceled the insurance.

Then two men stole the catalytic converter and probably the muffler.

I realize I have to do something. It has a good engine and transmission, so I'm thinking I'll try to start it.

What should do in preparation before starting it? - Roxanne

RAY: Well, it depends what your goal is, Roxanne. Do you want to get it started so you can fix it and drive it again? Or do you want to start it so you can sell it?

If you just want to get rid of it, I wouldn't try to start it at all. I'd just advertise it "as is." Be completely honest. Good engine and transmission. No converter or muffler. Excellent truck for a mechanic who wants to fix it, or for parts. Best offer and must tow it away.

On the other hand, if you want to drive it again, you'll need whatever parts caused the battery to run down, whatever parts the neighbor damaged, plus a catalytic converter and muffler. So you're probably looking at over $1,000 minimum in repair costs.

Even if that sounds OK to you, I still wouldn't start it. Instead, I'd find a shop you trust (try www.mechanicsfiles.com), and arrange to have it towed there. Your mechanic can take steps to prevent any engine damage when starting the car after it's been sitting for years.

For instance, he can remove the spark plugs and squirt oil into each of the cylinders so you're not moving the pistons against dry cylinder walls.

And then, once he gets it started, he can begin to figure out what it'll need to get on the road again. Good luck, Roxanne.

Got a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com.